Nitish Kumar Gains Strong Public Backing For Special Category Status Campaign In Bihar

Having severed ties with the BJP the previous year and actively contributed to the formation of the opposition INDIA coalition, Kumar has consistently pushed for special status.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 25 November 2023 3:12 pm

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar rallied public support for his ongoing campaign to secure special category status for the state during a recent event in Munger district. The occasion, marking the inauguration of a government medical college and hospital along with other healthcare facilities, provided the Chief Minister with a platform to emphasize the necessity of special status for the state's accelerated development, as reported by PTI.

Addressing the audience, which included his deputy Tejashwi Yadav and JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lalan," Kumar highlighted that special status would not only benefit marginalized communities but also uplift the economically disadvantaged among the upper castes. Expressing his intent to launch a campaign to exert pressure on the Centre, Kumar sought the crowd's endorsement, receiving a resounding "yes."

In an interactive gesture, Kumar encouraged the attendees to physically affirm their support by standing up and raising their hands. Noticing some women still seated, he urged them to join the demonstration, reinforcing the unity behind the proposed campaign.

Having severed ties with the BJP the previous year and actively contributed to the formation of the opposition INDIA coalition, Kumar has consistently pushed for special status. This renewed emphasis follows a comprehensive caste survey conducted by his government, revealing that over a third of Bihar's population lives in poverty. In response, the government has implemented reservations for deprived social groups and unveiled measures to alleviate poverty, involving an estimated expenditure of Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

In a recent development, the state cabinet passed a resolution urging the Centre to grant special category status, supported by a statement from the Chief Minister. Kumar asserted that with special status, Bihar could achieve its goals well before the five-year deadline set by the state. The ongoing efforts reflect a determined push to address socio-economic challenges and accelerate progress in Bihar.